Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Bolt

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was positioned as a larger and more expensive option compared to the Chevy Trax and Trailblazer, yet it remained below the Blazer and Traverse in Chevrolet's lineup. Its styling was consistent with other crossovers in the brand, making it difficult to distinguish from models like the Traverse without a sense of scale. However, the Equinox's design was well-received, featuring broad fenders, a squat roofline, and a tall grille with high-mounted daytime running lights, giving it a distinct SUV character. The Equinox was available in LT, Active, and RS trims, each offering unique styling features such as chrome grille mesh, black trim, and different wheel sizes. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was well-assembled, with neat details like large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured unique microfiber and Evotex seats, while the RS trim offered sporty touches like a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt retained a familiar look with slight styling changes, making its front end resemble a conventional gas-powered car more than an EV. The 2027 model continued the legacy of the 2023 version, offering a single body style that straddled the line between a large hatchback and a subcompact SUV. The Bolt's tall and narrow design prioritized utility and interior space. The interior saw a more dramatic makeover, featuring a larger digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The push-button gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Bolt's cabin offered thin padding at touchpoints. The RS trim upgraded to Evotex synthetic leather with red stitching. The rear seating area, while dominated by hard plastics, provided adequate space for passengers.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel drive models, limiting torque to 184 pound-feet. All-wheel drive models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with 203 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four engine provided adequate performance, though drivers needed a heavy foot for overtaking. The eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift, but steering-wheel paddle shifters helped alleviate this issue. The Equinox's suspension, with MacPherson strut front and four-link rear, provided a comfortable ride but lacked body control, leading to bouncing. The Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, aided by active noise cancellation, though the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim added noise and reduced grip.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured a new 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron phosphate battery pack, reducing costs and requiring fewer rare earth minerals. A motor from the Equinox EV delivered 210 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, achieving 0-60 mph in the low seven-second range. The Bolt's acceleration was quick compared to gas-powered subcompact SUVs, with immediate pedal response. One-pedal driving was available, with medium or high brake regeneration levels. The ride was firm but not overly stiff, and road noise was more noticeable due to the absence of an internal combustion engine. The Bolt's low center of gravity contributed to its agility on curvy roads. The 2027 Bolt offered an EPA-estimated range of 262 miles, with a Tesla-derived NACS charge port and increased charging speed of 150 kW.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provided nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom to its competitors, though some rivals offered slightly more rear-seat legroom. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car included the $950 Convenience Package III, adding features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated perch, though forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox offered ample storage space, including a wireless phone charger and a spacious center console. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear bench folded, with a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds for AWD models.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt featured an upright driving position with ample space for larger occupants. Taller drivers might have wished for more telescoping extension from the steering wheel. The rear seats provided plenty of headroom and thigh support, with a flat floor reducing the penalty for center-seat passengers. The Bolt offered 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a large bin underneath the floor for additional storage. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, enhancing luggage space. While there was no frunk, the Bolt provided ample storage for personal items, including a large bin with dividers, a floor tray, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered good value in terms of technology, with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch touchscreen as standard. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. Physical knobs and buttons controlled climate and seat functions. The Equinox's touchscreen was larger than some competitors, providing clear icons and text. While lacking options for a head-up display or elaborate audio system, the Equinox covered the basics for the average user.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt came with an 11-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen, running on a Google-based operating system. Apple CarPlay and standalone Android Auto were not supported, requiring Bluetooth pairing for personal music libraries. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and quick responses. The Bolt's navigation system helped find charging stations and preconditioned the battery for optimal charging rates. The 2027 Bolt also offered vehicle-to-load charging, serving as a backup power source for a home.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top Good ratings in some tests but lower Acceptable ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt's crash test results were not available at the time of writing, but it was expected to achieve high scores based on the 2023 Bolt EUV. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitors. The optional Technology package added features like a surround-view camera system and rear-pedestrian alert. GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving system was available for an additional cost, making the Bolt one of the few budget EVs with such an advanced system.